Mechanical Alterations.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

This conveyor is used to deliver material in point to

boom are in proper position for traveling, in order to

point processing and to and from production lines (e.g.,

reduce the swing of the load.

from receiving to various stockrooms for storage and

c. Fixed conveyor equipment. In choosing a

from storage to packing and shipping points). This type

conveyor system, the initial cost, the length of time it will

of conveyor conserves floor space as it does not require

take to pay for itself, the cost of maintenance and

as much space as tractor trailer operations. The

operation, volume of items processed, and the type of

selection of this system for any operation should be

material handled by the activity contemplating the use

primarily based on volume of items, tons handled, or

of conveyor equipment must be considered. Through

combination of the two, which must be great enough to

the use of conveyors, savings are achieved through the

justify its installation.

elimination of trailer train operation, elimination of

double handling, and in various other ways. An increase

(3) Subfloor conveyor. The subfloor-type conveyor

in production can be realized due to maintaining work

consists of a moving link chain with chain track

rhythm; that is, work-loads do not build up at any point

imbedded in the floor. Retractable pins or pods are

but move to the next station in an even flow, reducing

mounted vertically on the front of platform trucks.

peaks and valleys to the minimum.

When the truck is ready to be transported, it is placed

over the chain and the pin is dropped. The truck is

(1) Power belt conveyor. The powered belt

towed forward as the pin falls in the slot of the chain.

conveyor consists of an endless belt mounted on a

The subfloor conveyor permits free travel of other MHE

frame and driven by a head pulley connected to a drive

as there are no overhead obstructions to prevent use of

motor. The belt travels over a series of rollers of a

high mast for trucks required for high stacking purposes.

sliding bed. A take up to adjust belt tension is provided.

This conveyor is used for the same purpose as the

A belt conveyor can operate on inclines, declines, or

overhead towing conveyor (i.e., to deliver material in

horizontal paths. The maximum angle of incline on

point to point processing and to and from production

most materials is limited to approximately 250. Small,

lines).

semi-bulky, bulky, or individual items with flat, smooth

surfaces that do not lend themselves to palletizing, or

4-23. Mechanical Alterations.

tote boxes and part baskets are transported on this type

of conveyor. Inasmuch as it is powered, this type of

conveyor may be used in conjunction with the dead

MHE is engineered and guaranteed by the

roller conveyor to transport material from floor level to

manufacturers

perform

specified

functions.

working level, or moving material to the next processing

Mechanical alterations to power plants, hydraulic

point by the use of timing devices, deflectors, and

systems, operating levers, and controls, lifting and

controls, over a distance where gravity would not

structural members and counterweights may seriously

suffice. It can be used in single or double combinations

affect operation of equipment or endanger personnel.

to form a portable conveyor system. In addition, a

Alterations to MHE will not be effected prior to approval

telescopic system may be used when a definite location

of the appropriate military service.

Requests or

for loading or unloading facilities cannot be set up due

recommendations to effect alterations will be addressed

to shapes and sizes of vehicles transporting cargo (i.e.,

through normal channels and will include the following:

the conveyor could be extended or retracted (e.g.,

a. Complete details of the proposed alterations,

different types of aircraft at air freight terminals or

including such photographs, blueprints, and engineering

various types of commercial trucks at receiving and

data as may be necessary.

shipping docks)). The performance of a belt conveyor

b. Reasons for the alteration.

depends on the width of the belt, the type of material

c. Anticipated improvements.

used for the belt, the supports, and horsepower of the

drive.

4-24. Safety Considerations for MHE.

(2) Overhead towing conveyor. This conveyor

Chapter VI provides overall safety guidance for storage

consists of an overhead rail and chain mounted on

operations. The following Code of Federal Regulations

rollers that run on the channeled rail. Loops are spaced

(CFR), Title 29, OSHA, references are provided for

as desired along the towing chain for the purpose of

specific equipment

attaching material carriers. When the carriers are ready

a. 1910.178-Powered Industrial Trucks.

for movement, the carrier is positioned onto a loop of

b. 1910.179-Overhead and Gantry Cranes.

the moving chain and the carrier moves to its

1910.180-Crawler, Locomotive, and Truck

predetermined destination.

Cranes.

4-62